"..."
Suddenly transported from the rooftop to the ground, the fleeting touch at his waist gone, Qing Qianxue stared at Jiang Yourning, momentarily dazed.
Had he... been held around the waist?
By a fourteen-year-old little girl?
When Qing Qianxue failed to respond, Jiang Yourning waved a hand in front of his eyes. "National Preceptor, why aren't you saying anything? Were you scared witless?"
Damn it, is my good friend trying to weasel out of paying?
If that's the case, I'll put you right back on the roof and let you keep enjoying those flashing blades!!!
"..."
Qing Qianxue's slight bewilderment was instantly smoothed away.
"All right. I'll come by tomorrow to deliver your payment."
A moment later, Qian Miao descended from the rooftop with a longsword still dripping blood and came before Qing Qianxue to report.
"Master, all the death warriors here at the Jiang Residence have been dealt with."
"Dispose of them all."
Elsewhere.
At the palace banquet.
Zheng Wanba waited and waited, but no one came to inform him that all the officials' families had been apprehended.
He began to grow restless.
"Your Majesty, I would like to excuse myself."
"Mm, go ahead."
Chu Wenzong nodded.
Throughout all this, he had never forgotten to observe his dear minister's expression closely. The more restless the man became, the happier he felt.
If he intended to seize the ministers' families and use them as leverage, he was destined for disappointment.
As he watched the singing and dancing attentively, Chief Eunuch Fu Kang approached again and whispered in Chu Wenzong's ear. "Your Majesty, the Young Marquis has returned. He says he has an urgent matter to report."
"Have him come over."
Chu Wenzong nodded.
Soon, Xie Ciyan came to Chu Wenzong's side. Leaning close to his ear, he spoke quietly.